Title

An Evaluation Of The Quality Of Life Among Long-Term Survivors Of Breast Cancer

Authors

Authors

K. H. Dow; B. R. Ferrell; S. Leigh; J. Ly;P. Gulasekaram

Comments

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Abbreviated Journal Title

Breast Cancer Res. Treat.

Keywords

breast cancer; quality of life; survivorship; MARROW TRANSPLANT SURVIVORS; OF-LIFE; WOMEN; THERAPY; PAIN; MASTECTOMY; IMPACT; WEIGHT; Oncology

Abstract

Attention to the quality of life (QOL) among long-term of breast cancer is long overdue. Modest improvements in overall survival have led to a greater emphasis on how women are living with the disease. The purpose of this paper is to report the results of a descriptive study that evaluated the quality of life of 294 breast cancer survivors, and to review the continuum of positive and negative QOL outcomes in this population. Members of the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) were surveyed and received two QOL instruments: the Quality of Life - Cancer Survivors Tool (QOL-CS) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT-G), and a demographic data tool. The main research variables were the subscales (Physical, Psychological, Social, and Spiritual Well-being) and individual items of the QOL-CS and the FACT-G. Results indicated that: a) fatigue, aches and pains, and sleep problems were persistent after treatment ended; b) psychological distress from cancer diagnosis and treatment, and fear of recurrent, metastatic, and recurrent disease were problematic over time; c) family distress, sexuality, and family burden issues were of greatest social concern; and d) uncertainty over the future plagued breast cancer survivors long-term. Breast cancer survivors also reported good outcomes in hopefulness, having a life purpose, and having a positive change after the treatment. Conclusions: breast cancer survivors experienced long-term changes after completion of treatment which affected overall quality of life. However, many positive benefits were also gained which helped to balance the worse outcomes.

Journal Title

Breast Cancer Research and Treatment

Volume

39

Issue/Number

3

Publication Date

1-1-1996

Document Type

Article

Language

English

First Page

261

Last Page

273

WOS Identifier

WOS:A1996VF49500002

ISSN

0167-6806

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